During your stay in L'Ile-Rousse and Balagne, meet Guy Savelli, this history buff who will retrace the history of Balagne and Corsica through a rich collection of various and ancient objects. .
During the 1990s, this private museum was created by Mr. Guy SAVELLI on the history of Corsica. This Museum perched on the heights of CORBARA is in his personal house.

You will be able to discover: portraits, maps, vintage posters, handwritten letters, old musical instruments, many old books on the history of Corsica, paintings from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, pencil drawings, manuscripts on parchment from the 12th in the 17th century ...

There is also an extraordinary collection of styluses, the traditional Corsican knife, pistols, coins from the independent period, as well as many surprising objects.

Guy Savelli also collects everything related, near or far, to Pascal Paoli, u babbu di a patria.
To visit absolutely under the guidance of the owner.
This private museum is number 1 in Tripadvisor.

Discover the Baroque Collegiate Church, listed as historical monuments, its main altar and side altars in Carrara marble, its historic paintings and organs, its Treasury Museum with its collection of liturgical ornaments!
Discover the religious heritage of Corbara's Collegiate Church A Nunziata at the Treasure Museum.

Here you'll discover numerous works of art housed in the two rooms of the former sacristy.

You'll admire two 17th-century pieces of furniture; a rich collection of priestly vestments from the late 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, many of them restored; 17th- and 18th-century goldsmiths' and silversmiths' pieces; a bull issued by Pope Benedict XIV on March 15, 1752, elevating the church to the rank of Collegiate Church; 17th-century reliquaries...

An extraordinary collection to discover, under the guidance of a guide.

Tours are guided, and the museum takes part in Museum Night and Heritage Days.

Completed in 1375, the chapel occupied the arms room of the old castle of Corbara. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view, making it a must-do if you're visiting Corbara.
Completed in 1375 by Guido de Sabellis' descendant, Manonne, the "castel" (today's chapel) is located in the locality of U Forte, which marks the birth of a major urbanization around the village of Corbara, with the creation of hamlets and neighborhoods that would come to an end in the 18th century.

Partly destroyed by the Genoese, the building was named "Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs" (Our Lady of Seven Sorrows). In 1700, the Madonna chapel was established in the arms room of the old Corbara castel.

Saint-Dominique convent was founded in 1456 by two Franciscan priests of the Observantine Order. After being destroyed during the Revolution, the Dominicans rebuilt it as a place of study. It is now occupied by the community of Saint John.
The convent of Saint Francis of Aregno was founded by the Friars Minor of the Observance in 1456, representing one of the oldest convents of the Franciscan province of Corsica. During the French Revolution, the conventual property became "national property. From 1857 to 1864, the Dominicans set about rebuilding the convent. The Dominicans restored it as a school for the children of the region. Later, it was equipped with a college of philosophy and theology for religious students from the province of PARIS. After the separation of church and state, the Dominicans were expelled and the building became the property of the commune of Corbara. Left abandoned, German and Austrian prisoners were placed inside. Then, in 1927, the convent returned to the hands of the Dominicans for 66 years. In 1993, the friars of St. John took over the convent after the departure of the former friars. Pasquale de Paoli took advantage of his numerous stays there to gather his friends and advisors from the Balagne region. Famous people have stayed there such as De Didon, Peyrefitte, Roncalli and Maupassant. It is thus a real emblem for the town of Corbara.

This 17th-century Baroque-style church was built to replace the previous church which had become too small at "Piazza Save". It was an annex of Aléria cathedral and was granted collegiate status by Pope Benoît XIV.

Located on the edge of the village, it was built during the 6th and 7th century. Mass is celebrated here every year on 29 June. With its breathtaking view, this marvel provides the local people with an ideal place to meditate.

Notre Dame du Lazio in Corbara is an ancient sanctuary of Balagne. It dates from the Middle Ages and was rebuilt towards the end of the 18th century.

This building located next to the Collegiate church dates from the early 17th century. It is the seat of the Friary and the venue of various religious celebrations, includiing Saint Antoine (17 January) and Holy Week. The nave is decorated with paintings by artist Pietro Sicuri.

Located on one of the main squares of the village, Piazza di a Chjesa Vecchja, the chapel was rebuilt in the mid-17th century on the site of the old Medieval church which had been the parish church until the early 17th century when it became too small to accommodate all the followers.

The Pietra lighthouse marks the entrance to Corsica's north-western coastline. It marks the end of your visit to the island of Pietra, where you can admire a magnificent view of the hinterland and the Balagne seaside.
A wonderful walk!
It dates from the 3rd quarter of the 19th century, during the reign of Napoleon III. It is built on the highest point of the island of La Pietra, linked by a dike to L'Ile-Rousse. It marks the entrance to Corsica's north-western coastline. The lighthouse known as "La Pietra" was part of the second wave of lighthouses to be built in Corsica, along with the lighthouse at Ajaccio.
The current lighthouse is a square tower, centered on a square base, in smooth masonry, painted white, with the lantern painted green. The lighthouse is powered by solar panels and automated.

The interior of the lighthouse will soon open to the public during the summer! You'll be able to discover a museographic space dedicated to the history of the lighthouse, the islands and the town of L'Ile-Rousse, through photos and explanatory panels.

Discover the island of La Pietra and its lighthouse, recently embellished and in the process of being planted. Enjoy the beautiful pedestrian promenade and marvel at the spectacular panoramic views over the town, the villages of Balagne and the majestic surrounding mountains.

Whether you're a nature lover or a fan of breathtaking views, this must-see site in L'Ile-Rousse is sure to please.

This military building from the 16th century features a round tower whose purpose was to ward off attacks from the Barbaresque corsairs. It was restored in the early 1980s.

Created in 1834 and inaugurated in 1852, this pleasant square is the heart of the town. Surrounded by ancient plane trees, it is an inviting spot featuring a fountain known as "the pump" which is decorated with statues, including a bust of the town's founder, Pasquale de Paoli.

In L'Ile-Rousse, the bust of Pasquale Paoli takes centre stage on the square of the same name. Paoli founded this town during the Corsican Revolution. He is the father of a democratic constitution, a national hero whose wisdom shone out across Europe.

Commonly known as "Monks' church", it was built between 1825 and 1850 by Tony Cardella, the great Corsican master of the 19th century. Some of his paintings can be found inside, including his "Stations of the Cross".

In 1853, the people of L'Ile-Rousse wanted their own community of the children of Saint Francis. The house adjoined the Church of Mercy and for a time was the town's only place of worship. It houses the private school of Notre Dame.

Built in 1887 to replace the old parish church of Le Scalu and its successor, Notre Dame la Miséricorde, which had become too small. This church was more spacious and occupied a more central position in the expanding town.

Built in 1844 by the mayor, Mr Piccioni, essentially to replace the outdoor market. The region's producers can be found here every morning.

Now the Town Hall, this building built in 1763 by Pasquale de Paoli was occupied by the military headquarters of L'Ile Rousse and the King's lieutenance, at the initiative of the Count of Vaux.
It was a military estate until 1904, when it was called the General Ambert barracks. Then, the mayor of the time, President Gavini, bought it and one day made it the seat of the town hall and the social services. The gabelous had their post in this old barracks (today the town hall) as well as a shelter at the bottom of the small cove under the Pietra lighthouse. This building was marked not so long ago on the staff maps. However, it was rebuilt and is now used as a marine archaeology shed.

The old gunpowder magazine named Tour du Scalu stands on the current Place de la Mairie. Refurbished in 2012, it was built in the 17th century when it went by the name of Tour des Fabiani. It was a salt warehouse before becoming a gunpowder magazine and, finally, a prison.

This square takes its name from the spring, Di U Canone. The wash house built around the spring is no longer in use. Succumb to the charm of the blue-shuttered houses and the traditional biscuit factory.

Le Scalo is an old natural fishing port that's commonly known as the "fishermen's jetty". So it's no surprise that the structure has always had close links with the fishermen's market located at the bottom of Rue Notre Dame. This market was refurbished in 2002.

Le Scalo port is an ancient, natural fishing port commonly known as the "fishermen's jetty". The structure has indeed always had close links with the fishermen's market located at the bottom of Rue Notre Dame and which was renovated in 2002.

The Piccioni palace is the highest and one of the most famous buildings in the town of L'Ile-Rousse. Magnate Sebastien Piccioni, dissatisfied with a mere town-centre abode, ordered the construction of this veritable château which is now the Hôtel Napoléon.

The Mermaid by Corsican artist Gabriel Diana is a lost-wax cast bronze sculpture of human dimensions. Competing beautifully with her Copenhagen counterpart, A Sirenella sits on a granite rock close to the shore.

This Roman church was destroyed in the 16th century by the King of Algiers and rebuilt in the 17th century. In 1887, the exterior was enhanced. The church boasts a tower with 3 bells and a listed painting which has been restored.

Of Baroque style, it dates from the latter half of the 17th century. The dome was added in the 18th century. The chapel was built at the initiative of a Jesuit priest who wanted to protect the population from its enemies. San Roccu day is celebrated here every year on 16 August.

Built in the 11th century, this Romanesque chapel was stripped of its sacred objects and religious ledgers during an incursion of the Turks who then burnt and destroyed it. Its only nave has been consolidated with what little was left of the ruins.
Several attempts have been made to restore and consolidate it, which has not been easy since the chapel was seriously damaged by the transformations it underwent around the 17th century (apse cut off, extended nave). There is an "arca" inside, as evidenced by the marble plaque on which is engraved "ANNO 1686 DEL MONTICELLO". There are also funeral plaques of the oldest inhabitants of Monticello.

Built in the 17th century, it boasts a remarkable decor with a smooth, shiny appearance thanks to the use of ground marble. The interior frieze is superbly decorative. The walls are covered in timber which forms two benches on either side of the entrance.

Protected by the VMF built heritage label, this 17th-century private mansion is the Fabiani Malaspina palace and was the home of Pasquale Paoli from 1790 to 1796. One of its lounges is decorated in frescoes depicting 17th-century L'Isula Rossa. Napoleon Bonaparte also stayed here.

The ancient foundry's bellows support is still visible in this simple single-vault construction. It was in ruins before being converted into a fountain and decorated with a marble bas-relief feature by Toni Casalonga which represents the four seasons.

A small construction of earth which hides a 120-seat auditorium. An original venue used by singers and musicians from Corsica and beyond, for research, experiments, rehearsals and recordings.

A transformation of the choir area of this religious building, during the 18th century, included the addition of wall paintings in the apse by Toni Casalonga. The church also features two small bell towers and a remarkable organ which was built in 1881. Annual celebrations are held on 15 August and 8 December.

This former stockyard is a listed historical monument which was converted in 1974 into an open-air theatre. Restored in 1999, this outdoor venue enjoys views over the Laziu Valley, the Corbara Convent and Mount Sant'Anghjulu.

The Casa Musicale is an 18th-century mansion which, since 1995, has been a venue for the Centre Voce artists who stay here as well as others who come for various events and discussions. It is also a guesthouse.

This 18th-century mansion house, now a boutique hotel, has always belonged to the prominent Franceschini family of Balagne. It is a magnificent seaview property featuring three rooms and two suites, as well as a reputed restaurant.

The former Presbytery in the village centre is one of the oldest buildings in Pigna. Fully renovated, it is now an art and craft shop run by the Casa di l'Artigiani association.

The Parish of Santa Reparata is located on a spur where the church and bell tower stand tall. They were built during the 16th and 17th centuries, most probably on the site of an older building of which only the apse and the south wall of the choir still remain.

This 18th-century Baroque-style church is dedicated to San Roccu. Every 16 August, in honour of the saint, the population gathers "in allegria" for two days of celebrations and a torchlit procession.

The friary of Sant'Antone, behind Santa Reparata church, was built in 1600 and restored in 2005. In 1618, it was fitted with wooden stalls made by the Genoese master, Joannes Andreas Lucchini, and frescoes were painted on the ceilings.

The chapel belongs to the municipality and stands on the edge of Santa Reparata on the road to Monticello. Dating from the 17th century, it is dedicated to the illustrious Franciscan preacher from Tuscany. San Bernardinu is celebrated on 20 May.

Dating from the 18th century, it was originally an oratory. It features some marble frescoes and a superb wooden sculpture of Christ by Antoine Franceschini, a village craftsman who also had the gift of healing. The roof was restored in 2003.

During the Middle Ages, the fiefdom of Santa Reparata surrounded the old castle and four towers of Palmentu. The oldest of the towers dates back more than a thousand years. Two of them are still partially visible and have been converted into housing.

Built by Capuchin monks in 1606, it was abandoned during the Revolution.

In the heart of Balagne, on one of Corsica's most beautiful bays, an unforgettable experience awaits you at L'Ile-Rousse, the ideal place to explore and unwind.

Monticello is a small, picturesque village built amid olive trees around a lovely little square where the locals love to gather for a game of boules or to sip a cool beverage on the terrace of the bar.

Santa Reparata straddles the hills of Santa Suzanna and the Mont Sant'Angelu. Take your pick, between the blue-green blend of the Palazzi Valley and L'Ile-Rousse Bay, or the wooded countryside of the green Reginu Valley.

Explore one of the oldest villages in Balagne, and the hamlets that stretch majestically across the hills of Mont de Guido, Borgu and Pietralta, just below Mont Sant'Angelo.
Travel to the heart of Moorish architecture by visiting Corbara, where a certain native Davia became Empress of Morocco. Walk along its beautiful houses, stroll through its streets and alleys, pass under its vaulted passages to discover the typicality of a Balinese village.

Rich heritage and history
You can visit the many religious buildings such as the chapel of Notre-Dame des Sept Douleurs, the church of the Nativity of the Virgin (known as Notre-Dame de Lazio), or the many other chapels or oratories, not forgetting the convent of Saint-Dominique.

Don't miss the obligatory visit to the parish church of A Nunziata to discover the Treasure Museum with its collection of liturgical ornaments in the sacristy. If you don't want to miss anything about the heritage and the famous people of the old village of Corbara, let yourself be tempted by the audio guide available at the entrance.
On the way to the village square, stop at the fountain of the Sbollaru. Under a beautiful vault, this spring, known for its capricious flow, flows in a beautiful granite basin. Try the experience and quench your thirst here to see if, as the saying goes, he who drinks his water will eventually calm down.
Climb to the top of the village to the house of Monsieur Guy Savelli. Here, portraits, maps, period posters, handwritten letters, old musical instruments, welcome you to the heart of a house museum.

A village of flaxen houses with sky-blue shutters awaits you. This is Pigna, a delightful village which has re-emerged like a phoenix from the ashes. A blend of stone, clay and tuff has returned this place to its former splendour.

MuseuMusica is a center for research into the formation and dissemination of musical culture, past and present.
It is a place where you can discover a collection of instrumentarium from Corsica and elsewhere, as well as an audiovisual space.
It would undoubtedly be necessary to go back to prehistoric times
to trace the origins of some of the most typical forms
musical traditions.
Indeed, the men of these early gestures were already elaborating sounds and music, using natural materials and shells, and later making and using the first real instruments; those generally known as the oldest are, everywhere, drums, flutes of reed, horn or bone, the first Jew's harps,
horn or bone flutes, and the first Jew's harps.
Corsica is rich in vestiges attributed to these peoples
stones: dolmens and menhirs (Stantari, also known as Palatini)
also known as Palatini) were the inspiration for cults that the Church
banned in Corsica in the 5th century. The many invasions that have followed one another throughout the island's history have left their mark on sound.
Instruments have evolved and been transformed, and their use has always been closely linked to that of sung poetry. Perfectly suited to the accompaniment of traditional song, they almost fell victim to the fashions and, sometimes, the repression of successive occupiers.
of successive occupiers.
Wind instruments (pivana, pirula, cialamella)
disappeared from the Corsican soundscape practically
early 20th century.
The cetera, a diatonic instrument, gradually gave way to the chromatic guitar and its repertoire. A period of oblivion followed, until the cultural revival of the 1970s.
Since then, and increasingly so today, these instruments
the esteem and place they deserve.
They even inspire new creations. We find them
alongside more modern instruments and electronic
and other electronic generators.

The parish church, A Nunziata, was built in the early 17th century. It features an elegant multi-level bell tower.
The parish church A Nunziata contains old paintings and an organ dating from 1744 signed "Battista Pompost di Pistoia".

Its bell tower is made up of two floors. The bell was recast and baptized on April 4, 1982 Madre Di Le Gratiae "mother of all graces" by Father Pol de Léon of the convent of Marcasso.

The parish church adjoins the Chapel of the Confrérie Saint Antoine, a building built between 1760 and 1770. It is decorated with a niche in which is a statue of the Immaculate Conception Virgin.

It has a high altar from 1776 with plasterwork and visibly Baroque decor.

The Corbara Monolith is an impressive granite column, 17 m long and 3 m in diameter, carved in 1839 to support a statue of Napoleon I. It has been abandoned for logistical reasons. Abandoned for logistical reasons, it weighs 272 tons and bears witness to local history.
A few kilometers from Algajola, off the RT30 and in the commune of Corbara, lies a little-known but impressive monument: the Corbara Monolith.
This granite block, 17.36 metres long and 2.74 metres in diameter, weighing almost 272 tonnes, is an imposing testimony to imperial ambition in the 19th century. Conceived in 1839 to serve as the base for a monumental statue of Napoleon destined for Ajaccio, the monolith never left the site where it was carved.

The quarry where this stone giant was born is located in an area where granite is characterized by its large, slightly faulted domes. Algajola granite is remarkable for its large honey-yellow crystals, micas with varied greenish inclusions, and its envelope of feldspars and quartz. Quarrymen cut this monolith directly on site, but the technical and financial difficulties of transporting it condemned this ambitious project to abandonment.

Today, the monolith rests peacefully in a private field, close to the ruins of the former quarrymen's cottages.

Located on the road from Ile-Rousse towards the village of Corbara, this Romanesque chapel was built in 1098 on the ruins of a Phoenician temple dedicated to the god Baal.
The chapel was remodeled in the first half of the 18th century and restored in the 20th century.
This elongated edifice comprises a single nave and a choir covered with an exposed wooden frame and featuring religious symbols.

Two celebrations take place here: the first, on Easter Monday, with a procession and the blessing of eggs.
The second takes place on September 16, the feast day of Saint-Cyprien and Saint-Corneille, at which mass is held to enthrone the Prior and new members of the Confrérie de pénit.